Thanks to Ole Miss for opportunities

I grew up on a plantation within 40 miles of Ole Miss. My childhood friend and clandestine playmate, the plantation owner's son, was white. We both whispered about how wonderful it would be riding together in his new car over to Ole Miss and becoming lawyers.

But, Ole Miss didn't allow blacks. Neither did Ole Miss offer agriculture. His folks sent him to Mississippi State to learn how to run the family's plantation. Divine providence steered me to Jackson State.

Later, we both found our way to Ole Miss. He went to law school and I went to graduate school for my doctorate. Now, he is a judge and I am a college professor/administrator.

Ole Miss is this state's premier institution, due to heritage, money and alumni. I thank Mr. Meredith for opening the Ole Miss doors of opportunity to all Mississippians.

Hilliard Lackey III

Jackson

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Thanks to Ole Miss for opportunities

(It has been) 50 years since Ole Miss was integrated. I grew up on a plantation within 40 miles of Ole Miss. My childhood friend and clandestine playmate, the plantation owner's son, was white.